Step 1. Photocopy the pattern, saving the original for future use. Trim the pattern to fit the wood, and apply a thin coat of temporary-bond spray adhesive to the back of the pattern. Allow the adhesive to set up until it feels sticky, like masking tape, and attach the pattern to the wood. Apply a layer of clear packaging tape over the pattern. (The tape lubricates the blade as you cut, which reduces burning and extends the life of the blade.)

Step 2. Drill for all entry holes. Using a No. 2/0 or No. 2 reverse-tooth blade, make all interior cuts in the design. Do not cut the perimeter of the pattern yet.

Step 3. Stack the work piece on top of the piece of plywood, and secure the two pieces using tape. Cutting through both thicknesses of wood, cut along the perimeter of the pattern. This will ensure that the backboard exactly matches the border of the scrolled piece.

Step 4. Separate the two pieces, and remove all tape. Apply several coats of satin-finish spray polyurethane to the scrolled piece using short, even strokes. (A spray finish allows you to get complete coverage in the fret-cut holes.) For best results, apply three coats, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next and lightly sanding between applications. Because the polyurethane dries very quickly, the entire process should not take very long.

Step 5. Spray paint the edges and both sides of the backboard. When dry, apply white craft glue to the back of the scrolled piece, and position it on top of the backboard, aligning all edges. Place a weight on top of the assembly until the glue is dry.